Archive for October, 2010

“This is something I dreamed about my whole life” said Mary P. of her trip this summer to Australia. This was more than just a bus trip to popular tourists spots. Mary and her family spent three weeks camping, exploring the backcountry and pursuing other adventure excursions along the Old Telegraph Line (OTL). A 60+ year old petite woman, Mary delighted in telling me of the experiences of her magnificent trip, and how her fitness training and physical conditioning played an important part in her enjoyment.

Mary:

Whenever we went hiking on rocks and uneven trails along the (OTL), I remembered how you taught me to stay steady on my feet and let my balance training kick in. Hold your head up and pull your core in! With these tools, I found it easier to navigate the rocky terrain on the trails up to the Northern Tip of Queensland. I had the stamina to swim and snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef. I felt strong and agile as we traversed the bush country more so than I ever would in the past. Even something simple as hoisting myself up in the Land Rover or carrying my suitcase through the airport was possible. There was a time when I would have questioned my ability for this type of physical exertion, or any exertion, yet I was able to climb around on the rocks and mountains and enjoy myself! I love my new bumper sticker I made it to the Tip.

Mary’s training regimen included several months of cardio activity and classes; lower body strengthening exercises like step ups; back rows and curls, core strengthening for the abs and back, and balance training at least twice a week. If you are planning to embark on an adventure, remember to prepare your body as well as your travel plans!Subscribe to this blog to receive my monthly updates clicking the subscribe button on the top tool bar.

Ever consider eating organic foods as part of a healthy diet? Here’s some info on how to add them to your diet. Organic foods are not sprayed or treated with pesticides or other chemicals. Organic produce can be more flavorful than treated varieties but be aware that they may not last as long in the fridge. Organic fruits, veggies, grains, and more can be found in popular supermarkets, green and farmer’s markets, health food stores and through food coops. To reduce chemicals in your foods, shop for produce in season and avoid items most heavily sprayed.

Use the Environmental Working Group’s Dirty Dozen list as a guide: Buying organic varieties of these: peaches, apples, bell peppers, celery, nectarines, strawberries, cherries, kale, lettuce, imported grapes, carrots and pears. The produce least likely to be contaminated: Onions, avocados, frozen sweet corn, pineapples, mangoes, asparagus, kiwis, cabbages, eggplants, papayas, watermelons, broccoli, tomatoes, and sweet potatoes. You may want to include some of these varieties in next year’s home garden.